ABOUT THE STINSON LAKE HOUSE
“This home is meant to be experienced, not just lived in or not just turn on music. It starts as you walk and the lights come on filling every corner of the space... It’s cool to me to know how much technology is in the space and where it all is and how it doesn’t feel that way, how it just is where it needs to be and it isn’t where it doesn’t need to be, but at the same time, it’s accessible and usable.”
ALEX LELCH - PRESIDENT, LELCH AUDIO VIDEO
REQUIREMENTS
Client expectations were clear – an immersive audio experience without the intrusion of visible speakers. Lelch Audio Video, the technology integration experts brought in to collaborate on this no-compromise project, were tasked with delivering exceptional audio while ensuring the technology seamlessly blended into the architecture. The speakers had to be discreet yet powerful enough to enhance the overall experience. Hiding the speakers was a given requirement, but it was critical for Lelch AV to craft an environment where sound would become an integral part of the living space.
THE CHALLENGE
Architectural elegance meets cutting-edge audio technology in a challenge that demands seamless integration. Charles Stinson, the visionary architect for this lake house project, faced the task of concealing speaker technology within the walls and ceilings of a luxurious home project in Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. “The challenge was to create a space where technology complements the architectural beauty, enhancing the environment without compromising it” Stinson reflects.
BEYOND SOUND
“As an architect, you have to make a lot of things disappear because you just want to see the light in the space, but have it function. This need for invisibility extends beyond mere aesthetics — it encompasses the functionality of the space, especially when it comes to audio systems.”
- CHARLES STINSON, ARCHITECT
METHODOLOGY
Collaboration between Stinson and Lelch became the cornerstone of the project’s success. “Our approach involved using Sonance and James, in-wall, and in-ceiling speakers” explains Alex Lelch, President of Lelch Audio Video. “Meticulous planning during the construction phase ensured optimal placement of Sonance Invisible and James Small Aperture speakers, guaranteeing flawless integration into the design of the home.” Stinson emphasizes the precision required, stating, “This was about more than just cutting holes; it was about careful planning to achieve a perfect balance between architectural design and audio technology.”
RESULTS
The meticulous planning and expert execution culminated in a home where technology and design coexist harmoniously. “The end result surpassed our expectations,” beams Stinson. “Each room now boasts an immersive audio experience without compromising the architectural integrity of the space. The speakers are virtually invisible, yet the impact on the atmosphere is undeniable.” Lelch concurs, “This project exemplifies what happens when design and technology collaborate. The speakers seamlessly integrate into the environment, enhancing the overall aesthetic.” In the end, the high-end home project stands as a testament to the successful fusion of architectural ingenuity and audio expertise. The collaboration between architect Charles Stinson and audio dealer Alex Lelch has not only met but exceeded the client’s vision, creating a home where every space is a symphony of design and technology